US20090014977A1 - Control arm for vehicles - Google Patents
Control arm for vehicles Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20090014977A1 US20090014977A1 US12/104,837 US10483708A US2009014977A1 US 20090014977 A1 US20090014977 A1 US 20090014977A1 US 10483708 A US10483708 A US 10483708A US 2009014977 A1 US2009014977 A1 US 2009014977A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- control arm
- arm assembly
- arm structure
- end portions
- rigid
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G7/00—Pivoted suspension arms; Accessories thereof
- B60G7/001—Suspension arms, e.g. constructional features
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G2204/00—Indexing codes related to suspensions per se or to auxiliary parts
- B60G2204/10—Mounting of suspension elements
- B60G2204/14—Mounting of suspension arms
- B60G2204/143—Mounting of suspension arms on the vehicle body or chassis
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G2204/00—Indexing codes related to suspensions per se or to auxiliary parts
- B60G2204/40—Auxiliary suspension parts; Adjustment of suspensions
- B60G2204/418—Bearings, e.g. ball or roller bearings
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G2206/00—Indexing codes related to the manufacturing of suspensions: constructional features, the materials used, procedures or tools
- B60G2206/01—Constructional features of suspension elements, e.g. arms, dampers, springs
- B60G2206/10—Constructional features of arms
- B60G2206/12—Constructional features of arms with two attachment points on the sprung part of the vehicle
Abstract
A control arm for vehicle suspensions includes an arm structure having first and second elongated portions that extend from a central portion to form a U or V shaped structure. The arm structure includes a spindle mount at the central position for mounting a spindle. A cross member extends between the first and second elongated portions, and one or more self-aligning ball bearings pivotably interconnect the arm structure to the cross member.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/948,854, filed on Jul. 10, 2007, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- Known suspension systems for vehicles may include a control arm 1 (
FIG. 1 ) including aweldment 2 with front andrear extensions 3 and 4, respectively and amount 5 that is configured for mounting a ball joint to pivotably support a spindle. A cross shaft 6 is pivotably mounted to short pieces oftubing rear extensions 3 and 4, respectively.Openings 9 and 10 in cross shaft 6 provide for mounting thecontrol arm 1 to a vehicle frame structure or the like utilizing conventional threaded fasteners or other suitable connectors.Grease fittings tubing - Known control arms may suffer from various drawbacks. For example, the pieces of
tubing tubing rear extensions 3 and 4, respectively, will deflect somewhat, and this deflection may cause binding at the pivotal interconnection between the cross shaft 6 and the pieces oftubing tubing weldment 2 to pivot freely relative to the cross shaft 6. - Accordingly, a suspension control arm alleviating the problems associated with existing control arms would be advantageous.
-
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a prior art control arm; -
FIG. 2 is a partially fragmentary isometric view of a vehicle frame structure including a suspension system having a control arm according to one aspect of the present invention; -
FIG. 3 is an exploded isometric view of a control arm according to one aspect of the present invention; -
FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of a suspension control arm according to one aspect of the present invention; -
FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the suspension control arm ofFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the control arm taken along the line VI-VI;FIG. 5 ; and -
FIG. 7 is a partially fragmentary enlarged view of a portion of the suspension arm assembly ofFIG. 6 . - For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper, ” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in
FIG. 2 . However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. - With reference to
FIG. 2 , asuspension arm assembly 20 according to the present invention is mounted to avehicle frame 21 to thereby interconnect aspindle 22 of thevehicle suspension 23. In an illustrated example, thevehicle frame 21 comprises a plurality of tubes that are welded together to form a rigid structure suitable for use in a race car or the like. However, it will be apparent that thesuspension arm 20 of the present invention may be utilized in a wide variety of vehicles, and is therefore not limited to use in race cars and the like. Alink 25 is interconnected to alower ball joint 26 ofspindle 22, and a coil over spring andshock assembly 24 provides biasing and dampen force for the vehicle suspension in a known manner. - With further reference to
FIGS. 3-5 , asuspension arm assembly 20 according to the present invention includes aweldment 30 including a front andrear tubes mount 33 atweld joints suspension arm assembly 20 to a ball joint 34 (FIG. 2 ) that is connected to aspindle 22. Front andrear housings ends rear tubes weld joints - A
cross shaft 45 is pivotably mounted to theweldment 30 by front and rear angularly misaligningball bearings ball bearings rings annular grooves housings bearings Elastomeric seals open ends rear housings end caps housings Grease fittings openings housings housings bearings - With further reference to
FIG. 7 , threadedend 69 ofcross shaft 45 threadably engages a threadedopening 71 ofend cap 61 to thereby retain thecross shaft 45 to thehousing 38 and also to retain theseals FIG. 3 ) ofcross shaft 45 similarly engages threaded opening 70 ofend cap 60. The angularlymisaligned ball bearings inner race 73 and a plurality of spherical rolling elements such asballs 74 disposed between the inner andouter races 73 and 72, respectively. Theinner race 73 includes a pair of outwardly facinggrooves rolling element 74, and the outer race 72 includes an inwardly-facingcurved surface 77 that also engages therolling element 74. The outer race 72 is closely received in thehousing 38, and therefore moves with thehousing 38. Theinner race 73 is closely received aroundcylindrical surface 79 ofcross shaft 45, and therefore moves with thecross shaft 45. The combination of thegrooves inner race 73 andcurved surface 77 of outer race 72 permits the axis “A1” of theinner race 73 to rotate somewhat about a center point “C” relative to the axis “A” of outer race 72 without causing binding or the like as theweldment 30 rotates about thecross shaft 45. The maximum allowable angle θ depends upon the specific design of thebearings angularly misaligning bearings bearings - With reference back to
FIG. 3 ,cross shaft 45 includes a pair ofslots cross shaft 45 to a vehicle structure such as the vehicle frame 21 (FIG. 2 ). The angularly misaligned ball bearing arrangement of thesuspension arm assembly 20 provides for free rotation of theweldment 30, even during highly loaded conditions occurring during vehicle operation. Furthermore, the bearings are sealed in the housings, and therefore are not exposed to the dirt or the like that could otherwise interfere with operation of the suspension arm assembly. Thesuspension arm assembly 20 can be readily assembled, and warpage due to welding or the like does not lead to binding or the like between thecross shaft 45 andweldment 30. - In the foregoing description, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. Such modifications are to be considered as included in the following claims, unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.
Claims (18)
1. A control arm assembly for a motor vehicle suspension, comprising:
a substantially rigid arm structure having a central portion configured to attach to a spindle, and front and rear portions extending from the central portions and defining first and second end portions, respectively;
a cross member configured to be mounted to a vehicle frame structure, the cross member extending between the first and second end portions;
first and second angularly misaligning ball bearings pivotably interconnecting the front and rear portions, respectively, of the rigid arm structure to the cross member at spaced-apart locations and defining a pivot axis about which the arm structure pivots relative to the cross member; and wherein:
the first and second angularly misaligning ball bearings each include an outer race, an inner race, and a plurality of rolling bearing elements movably engaging the inner and outer races, and wherein the inner race rotates about a first axis and the outer race rotates about a second axis, and wherein the inner and outer races rotate freely relative to one another even if the first and second axes are significantly misaligned.
2. The control arm assembly of claim 1 , wherein:
the cross member defines opposite ends, and wherein the opposite ends are positioned adjacent the first and second end portions of the arm structure.
3. The control arm assembly of claim 1 , wherein:
the rigid arm structure is generally V-shaped.
4. The control arm assembly of claim 1 , wherein:
the arm structure includes tubular end portions defining a cylindrical inner surface, and wherein:
the angularly misaligning ball bearings are mounted in the tubular end portions in contact with the cylindrical inner surface.
5. The control arm assembly of claim 4 , wherein:
the tubular end portions are welded to the first and second end portions of the rigid arm structure.
6. The control arm assembly of claim 1 , wherein:
the rigid arm structure is generally U-shaped.
7. The control arm assembly of claim 1 , wherein:
the cross member includes a pair of elongated slots therethrough.
8. The control arm assembly of claim 1 , wherein:
the central portion of the arm structure includes a mount adapted to connect to a ball joint.
9. The control arm assembly of claim 1 , wherein:
the inner and outer races rotate freely relative to one another even if the first and second axes are misaligned by one degree or more.
10. The control arm assembly of claim 9 , wherein:
the inner and outer races rotate freely relative to one another even if the first and second axes are misaligned by five degrees or more.
11. A control arm assembly for a vehicle suspension, comprising:
a substantially rigid arm structure having inner and outer portions, wherein the outer portion includes a mount adapted to connect a ball join to the rigid arm structure;
a mounting member adapted to be fixedly mounted to a vehicle frame structure;
at least one self aligning ball bearing pivotably connecting the rigid arm structure to the mounting member.
12. The control arm assembly of claim 11 , wherein:
the rigid arm structure includes front and rear portions extending from the mount.
13. The control arm assembly of claim 12 , wherein:
the front and rear portions of the rigid arm structure define outer ends adjacent the mount, and inner ends;
the mounting member extends between the inner ends of the front and rear portions.
14. The control arm assembly of claim 13 , wherein:
the rigid arm structure is substantially V or U shaped.
15. The control arm assembly of claim 14 , wherein:
the mounting member extends between the inner ends of the front and rear portions of the arm structure.
16. The control arm assembly of claim 15 , wherein:
the mounting member defines opposite ends; and wherein:
the at least one self aligning ball bearing comprises a pair of self aligning ball bearings mounted to the opposite ends of the mounting member.
17. The control arm assembly of claim 16 , wherein:
the self aligning ball bearings each include inner and outer races that rotate freely relative to one another about a primary axis or rotation.
18. The control arm assembly of claim 17 , wherein:
the inner and outer races rotate relative to one another about axes that are transverse relative to the primary axis without restricting rotation of the races about the primary axis.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/104,837 US20090014977A1 (en) | 2007-07-10 | 2008-04-17 | Control arm for vehicles |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US94885407P | 2007-07-10 | 2007-07-10 | |
US12/104,837 US20090014977A1 (en) | 2007-07-10 | 2008-04-17 | Control arm for vehicles |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20090014977A1 true US20090014977A1 (en) | 2009-01-15 |
Family
ID=40252456
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/104,837 Abandoned US20090014977A1 (en) | 2007-07-10 | 2008-04-17 | Control arm for vehicles |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20090014977A1 (en) |
Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2011099981A1 (en) * | 2010-02-12 | 2011-08-18 | Volvo Group North America, Llc | A vehicle with a four bar link suspension system provided with improved roll characteristics |
US8757648B1 (en) | 2013-05-03 | 2014-06-24 | Mevotech Lp | Control arm assembly with ball joint for automotive suspension |
US20150191065A1 (en) * | 2012-08-01 | 2015-07-09 | Schaeffler Technologies Gmbh & Co. Kg | Control arm base |
US20160332495A1 (en) * | 2015-05-15 | 2016-11-17 | Polaris Industries Inc. | Utility vehicle |
US10946736B2 (en) | 2018-06-05 | 2021-03-16 | Polaris Industries Inc. | All-terrain vehicle |
US20220212511A1 (en) * | 2019-05-06 | 2022-07-07 | Zf Friedrichshafen Ag | Multi-Point Link for an Undercarriage of a Vehicle |
US20220212510A1 (en) * | 2019-05-06 | 2022-07-07 | Zf Friedrichshafen Ag | Multi-point link for an undercarriage of a vehicle |
US11440364B2 (en) * | 2017-12-13 | 2022-09-13 | Zf Friedrichshafen Ag | Method for producing a component, and component |
US11458284B2 (en) | 2014-02-03 | 2022-10-04 | Medinol Ltd. | Catheter tip assembled with a spring |
US11485184B2 (en) * | 2017-08-04 | 2022-11-01 | Zf Friedrichshafen Ag | Three-point suspension link and production method for a three-point suspension link |
Citations (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1172648A (en) * | 1915-10-02 | 1916-02-22 | Josef Vorraber | Self-adjusting antifriction-bearing. |
US1439486A (en) * | 1922-12-19 | Sele-ajjictietg ball bearing | ||
US1457584A (en) * | 1921-05-02 | 1923-06-05 | Resolute Mfg Company | Sealed bearing |
US1888361A (en) * | 1931-05-29 | 1932-11-22 | Thomas L Robinson | Self-aligning ball bearing |
US2822225A (en) * | 1955-05-18 | 1958-02-04 | F I Saemann | Ball bearing assembly |
US2827303A (en) * | 1955-11-01 | 1958-03-18 | Thompson Prod Inc | Vehicle suspension and pivot assembly therefor |
US2960348A (en) * | 1957-08-07 | 1960-11-15 | American Metal Prod | Vehicle front suspension arm pivoted by ball joints |
US4253712A (en) * | 1978-06-08 | 1981-03-03 | Rixon Rupert K | Self aligning rolling element bearing |
US5197786A (en) * | 1991-10-04 | 1993-03-30 | National Racing Products, Inc. | Rigid drive axle with cambered wheel hubs |
US5362092A (en) * | 1992-07-17 | 1994-11-08 | Dr. Ing. H.C.F. Porsche Ag | Apparatus for connecting a control arm with a bearing |
US6446991B1 (en) * | 2000-11-29 | 2002-09-10 | Daimlerchrysler Corporation | Lower control arm adjustment system |
US6446993B1 (en) * | 2000-10-18 | 2002-09-10 | Daimlerchrysler Corporation | Control arm bushing |
US6648351B1 (en) * | 2001-10-22 | 2003-11-18 | Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc. | Cast aluminum rear subframe control arm articulations |
US20040188993A1 (en) * | 2003-03-25 | 2004-09-30 | Wayne Campbell | Birdcage bearing assembly and suspension connection for a high performance vehicle |
US7163219B2 (en) * | 2002-10-16 | 2007-01-16 | Alcoa Inc. | Control arm for motor vehicle suspension system |
US20070127858A1 (en) * | 2003-11-18 | 2007-06-07 | Naoki Nakagawa | Double-row self-aligning roller bearing and device for supporting wind turbine generator main shaft |
US7427163B2 (en) * | 2003-08-20 | 2008-09-23 | Schaeffler Kg | Self-aligning antifriction bearing and cage for said self-aligning antifriction bearing |
-
2008
- 2008-04-17 US US12/104,837 patent/US20090014977A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (18)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1439486A (en) * | 1922-12-19 | Sele-ajjictietg ball bearing | ||
US1172648A (en) * | 1915-10-02 | 1916-02-22 | Josef Vorraber | Self-adjusting antifriction-bearing. |
US1457584A (en) * | 1921-05-02 | 1923-06-05 | Resolute Mfg Company | Sealed bearing |
US1888361A (en) * | 1931-05-29 | 1932-11-22 | Thomas L Robinson | Self-aligning ball bearing |
US2822225A (en) * | 1955-05-18 | 1958-02-04 | F I Saemann | Ball bearing assembly |
US2827303A (en) * | 1955-11-01 | 1958-03-18 | Thompson Prod Inc | Vehicle suspension and pivot assembly therefor |
US2960348A (en) * | 1957-08-07 | 1960-11-15 | American Metal Prod | Vehicle front suspension arm pivoted by ball joints |
US4253712A (en) * | 1978-06-08 | 1981-03-03 | Rixon Rupert K | Self aligning rolling element bearing |
US5197786A (en) * | 1991-10-04 | 1993-03-30 | National Racing Products, Inc. | Rigid drive axle with cambered wheel hubs |
US5197786B1 (en) * | 1991-10-04 | 1995-06-20 | Nat Racing Products Inc | Rigid driver axle with cambered wheel hubs |
US5362092A (en) * | 1992-07-17 | 1994-11-08 | Dr. Ing. H.C.F. Porsche Ag | Apparatus for connecting a control arm with a bearing |
US6446993B1 (en) * | 2000-10-18 | 2002-09-10 | Daimlerchrysler Corporation | Control arm bushing |
US6446991B1 (en) * | 2000-11-29 | 2002-09-10 | Daimlerchrysler Corporation | Lower control arm adjustment system |
US6648351B1 (en) * | 2001-10-22 | 2003-11-18 | Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc. | Cast aluminum rear subframe control arm articulations |
US7163219B2 (en) * | 2002-10-16 | 2007-01-16 | Alcoa Inc. | Control arm for motor vehicle suspension system |
US20040188993A1 (en) * | 2003-03-25 | 2004-09-30 | Wayne Campbell | Birdcage bearing assembly and suspension connection for a high performance vehicle |
US7427163B2 (en) * | 2003-08-20 | 2008-09-23 | Schaeffler Kg | Self-aligning antifriction bearing and cage for said self-aligning antifriction bearing |
US20070127858A1 (en) * | 2003-11-18 | 2007-06-07 | Naoki Nakagawa | Double-row self-aligning roller bearing and device for supporting wind turbine generator main shaft |
Cited By (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2011099981A1 (en) * | 2010-02-12 | 2011-08-18 | Volvo Group North America, Llc | A vehicle with a four bar link suspension system provided with improved roll characteristics |
CN102781723A (en) * | 2010-02-12 | 2012-11-14 | 沃尔沃集团北美有限公司 | A vehicle with a four bar link suspension system provided with improved roll characteristics |
US9010782B2 (en) | 2010-02-12 | 2015-04-21 | Volvo Group North America, Llc | Vehicle with a four bar link suspension system provided with improved roll characteristics |
US20150191065A1 (en) * | 2012-08-01 | 2015-07-09 | Schaeffler Technologies Gmbh & Co. Kg | Control arm base |
US9446645B2 (en) * | 2012-08-01 | 2016-09-20 | Schaeffler Technologies Gmbh & Co. Kg | Control arm base |
US8757648B1 (en) | 2013-05-03 | 2014-06-24 | Mevotech Lp | Control arm assembly with ball joint for automotive suspension |
US11458284B2 (en) | 2014-02-03 | 2022-10-04 | Medinol Ltd. | Catheter tip assembled with a spring |
US10017090B2 (en) * | 2015-05-15 | 2018-07-10 | Polaris Industries Inc. | Utility vehicle |
US20160332495A1 (en) * | 2015-05-15 | 2016-11-17 | Polaris Industries Inc. | Utility vehicle |
US11752860B2 (en) | 2015-05-15 | 2023-09-12 | Polaris Industries Inc. | Utility vehicle |
US11485184B2 (en) * | 2017-08-04 | 2022-11-01 | Zf Friedrichshafen Ag | Three-point suspension link and production method for a three-point suspension link |
US11440364B2 (en) * | 2017-12-13 | 2022-09-13 | Zf Friedrichshafen Ag | Method for producing a component, and component |
US10946736B2 (en) | 2018-06-05 | 2021-03-16 | Polaris Industries Inc. | All-terrain vehicle |
US20220212511A1 (en) * | 2019-05-06 | 2022-07-07 | Zf Friedrichshafen Ag | Multi-Point Link for an Undercarriage of a Vehicle |
US20220212510A1 (en) * | 2019-05-06 | 2022-07-07 | Zf Friedrichshafen Ag | Multi-point link for an undercarriage of a vehicle |
US11878563B2 (en) * | 2019-05-06 | 2024-01-23 | Zf Friedrichshafen Ag | Multi-point link for an undercarriage of a vehicle |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: NEW CONCEPT PRODUCTS, INC., MICHIGAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:MOLENAAR, KELLY J;REEL/FRAME:020819/0348 Effective date: 20071211 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: EXPRESSLY ABANDONED -- DURING EXAMINATION |